Emergencies

If you are involved in a mountain incident it is important to stay calm and make sound decisions. The following is important:

• Ensure your own safety and the safety of any others in your group.

• If someone is injured remember ABC: Airway Breathing Circulation of the casualty

• Treat any injuries as best as you can, e.g. stop any external bleeding with direct pressure.

• Provide shelter and comfort for the casualty and other members of your group.

• If possible get out of exposed areas. Use spare clothing to keep warm. Isolate the casualty from the ground, use a rucksack or ropes.
  

To summon help:

Call 999 or 112 and ask for "Police, Mountain Rescue."

Or Text an emergency message to 999 or 112.

Ideally you should register your phone prior to using this service.
See details at www.emergencysms.org.uk

Have the following information to hand if possible:

• Detailed location of the incident including a 6 figure Grid Reference number

• A description of the location

• A description of the incident

• Time incident occurred

• Number of casualties

• Name, age and sex of casualty

• Injuries found, suspected and treated

• Mechanism of injury

• Number in party

• Your mobile telephone number

• The casualties mobile telephone number
  

The international rescue signals are as follows:

Help Required:

• 6 blasts of a whistle or torch in quick succession. Repeat after 1 min interval.

• Red Flare

Message understood:

• 3 flashes of a whistle or torch in quick succession. Repeat after 1 min interval.

• White flare

SOS:

• Save our Souls – 3 short, 3 long, 3 short flashes or blasts in quick succession.
  Repeat after 1 minute
  

BE AWARE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY.

USE A GPS AS A BACK-UP TO BASIC NAVIGATION SKILLS.